Get to know
Ayocote Morado
Overview
Tasting notes: Meaty • Velvety • Sturdy
Grown by: César Díaz, Puebla, Mexico
Harvested: November 2023
Practices: Diverse crop rotations, small-scale farming, preserves cultural heritage
Brought to you in collaboration with our friends at Guelaguetza
Why we chose it
These beans are big, bold and a real crowd-pleaser (even known to convert the non-bean eaters among us!). Ayocote Morado really shines in tacos or other masa-based snacks, bean bakes, and salads. We love the natural variation of patterns and shades of purple.
The sourcing backstory
What started as a simple Instagram message turned into a lasting partnership to bring these beans to US home kitchens! César Díaz and his family have specialized in Ayocote Morado for the last three decades. They’re known in the region for their notable large, deep purple beans owing to practices that care for the soil: traditional horse plowing, manual weeding and grasshopper capture, and healthy crop rotations with vegetables like poblano chiles, corn, and onions. The farm is located in the highlands of Puebla, near the active volcano Popocatepetl. The area is also known for its vibrant Festival of Chiles each August, where surrounding villages feast on the poblano chile harvest in various forms.
Get cookin'
Cook beans according to our step-by-step cooking guide, then plate the beans as they are, use them in a recipe, or go off-script and create something new.
Broth notes:
Meaty, robust, light-bodied
Suggested produce pairings:
Kale, tomato, avocado, cilantro
Bonus tips:
- Pan-fry the cooked beans as you would gnocchi
- These beans are mole’s best friend given their shared roots, but they also love other rich sauces of the world (think: curry)
PB recipe picks:
- Beans with salsa macha
- Venezuelan-style arepas with secret sauce
- Pressure cooker rajma
- Bean and snap pea salad with miso vinaigrette (member exclusive recipe)
Head to the PB Blog for more recipes to celebrate Ayocote Morado!
Cooking resources
Bean cooking guide
Bean tasting card
Bean & wine pairing guide
